Welch, Strickland, Adams Reintroduce Bicameral Bill to Make It Easier for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers to Start and Maintain Farming Operations

U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, joined U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10) and Alma Adams (D-NC-12) in reintroducing the bicameral Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act, legislation to help new farmers and ranchers address early financial challenges. The legislation directs the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to develop a multi-year loan pilot program to address financing challenges for beginning farmers and ranchers who often face immediate financial hurdles during their first years of operation. 

“Supporting aspiring and beginner farmers is key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our food systems and the health and welfare of our communities. Start-up funds are vital to building a business in any industry, and farming is no exception. Yet for many beginning farmers—especially first-generation and farmers of color—financial barriers can make it difficult to break ground on their farm,” said Senator Welch. “Our bicameral bill will make it easier for beginning farmers in Vermont, North Carolina, Washington, and across the country to start and maintain farming operations.”